Filthy Eaglemont property gets canned

A filthy house, left “rotting” for at least 20 years, is ruining a blue-chip Banyule street, residents say. The run-down property at 113 Studley Rd, Eaglemont, has been branded a “fire hazard” and a “breeding ground for rats”.

When the Heidelberg Leader visited the property, there were thousands of empty, rusting cans, two old cars crammed with rubbish and hundreds of piled-up newspapers.

The owner said the property belonged to his late mother, and was part of an estate he shared with his sister. He said he was looking to sell the property next year but could not confirm a date.

When asked about the newspapers and rusting cans, the owner refused to comment.

A nearby resident said the property was a “disgrace”.

“There is no reason to leave rusting cans all across your front yard unless you have serious hoarding issues,” said the resident, who did not want to be named.

“I don’t know why we have to put up with this eyesore.”

Another resident said she had contacted Banyule Council about the safety hazard of the “putrid” property.

“When summer comes each year, I am always so worried that it will start a fire and be impossible to control,” she said.

“If it catches on fire we will have no hope.

“Council keep saying they can do nothing, but I just cannot believe this.”

Another Studley Rd resident said he had seen large rats in the street of multi-million-dollar properties.

“I have grandchildren and I do worry that a rat will hurt them while they’re playing in the backyard,” he said. “It’s been going on for at least 20 years and the owner just needs to clean up or sell.”

Banyule Mayor Wayne Phillips confirmed the council had received complaints about the site.

“Notices have been issued on the owner in the past to slash the grass,” Cr Phillips said.